Microevolution Mechanisms

Microevolution

Evolution within a single population over a short time, leading to changes in allele frequencies

Genetic Drift

Random chance events affecting small populations, leading to a decrease in genetic diversity

Bottleneck Effect

Occurrence of a destructive event that leaves only a few survivors, resulting in reduced genetic diversity

Founder Effect

Genetic differences resulting from a small group colonizing a new area and establishing a new population

Non-Random Mating

Mate choice based on specific traits, leading to changes in allele frequencies

Mutation

Changes in DNA caused by replication errors or external influences, resulting in beneficial, neutral, or harmful variations

Gene Flow

Movement of individuals between populations, leading to changes in allele frequencies and increased genetic diversity

Natural Selection

Process where certain traits provide survival advantages in specific environmental conditions, driving evolutionary changes

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Model describing the genetic equilibrium in non-evolving populations due to the absence of evolutionary processes

Immigration

Joining a new population, resulting in changes to allele frequencies

Emigration

Leaving a population, resulting in changes to allele frequencies